Explora Journeys Confirmed As Naming Rights Sponsor For Global Hit Musical & Juliet’s New Zealand Season

G&T Productions is proud to partner with Explora Journeys on the New Zealand tour of the global smash-hit musical & JULIET, with the production officially presented as The Explora Journeys Season of & JULIET.

Joining Explora Journeys as key partners exclusively for the Auckland season are Barfoot & Thompson and Auckland City BMW, further strengthening the show’s local support in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Presented by G&T Productions, The Explora Journeys Season of & JULIET makes its highly anticipated New Zealand debut from April 2026, following acclaimed seasons on the West End and Broadway. Bursting with iconic pop anthems from legendary songwriter Max Martin - including Since U Been Gone, Roar, …Baby One More Time and Can’t Stop The Feeling - the feel-good musical reimagines Shakespeare’s classic love story, asking: what if Juliet chose her own fate?

Directed by Hamish Mouat and performed by an all-star New Zealand cast, led by Kristin Paulse as Juliet, Matu Ngaropo as Shakespeare, and Awhimai Fraser as Anne, & JULIET promises a high-energy theatrical experience that blends pop music, humour and heart - redefining one of the world’s most famous stories for a new generation.

Grant Meese, Producer at G&T Productions, says the partnerships reflect the scale, ambition and broad appeal of the production: “We’re thrilled to welcome Explora Journeys as the naming rights partner for & JULIET in New Zealand. This is a bold, joyful production that celebrates adventure, empowerment and new perspectives, values that align beautifully with the Explora Journeys brand."

“We’re also proud to have the support of Barfoot & Thompson and Auckland City BMW for our Auckland season. Their backing reinforces the strong local enthusiasm for world-class musical theatre and helps us deliver an unforgettable experience for audiences.”

Katrina McAlpine, Managing Director, Australia & New Zealand for the MSC Group Cruise Division sees the partnership as a natural alignment: "At Explora Journeys, we are inspired by experiences that invite people to see the world differently. &JULIET is uplifting and bold, and partnering with G&T Productions allows us to celebrate the joy of discovery. This is a value that sits at the core of the Explora Journeys experience."

“At Barfoot & Thompson, we are proud to support what makes Auckland a great place to live, including live theatre,” adds Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director Peter Thompson. “We’re thrilled we can help bring the 2026 season of &JULIET to the stage and can’t wait to see the cast reimagine the world’s greatest love story.”

Jonny Highton, Dealer Principal for Auckland City BMW says “Once again we are very proud to sponsor the upcoming G&T Productions show &JULIET. We love hosting our customers and staff at these incredible, high quality shows – it’s the hottest ticket in town for any BMW owner!”

Tickets for The Explora Journeys Season of & JULIET on sale now from gntproductions.co.nz/and-juliet

FULL CAST

Juliet

William

Anne

Angelique

Lance

Romeo

Francois

May

Kristin Paulse

Matu Ngaropo

Awhimai Fraser

Lavina Williams

Andrew Grainger

Andrew Papas

Josh Johnson

Jared Pallesen

ENSEMBLE

Geena Hutton

Nomi Cohen

Jordi Rea

Lily Burgess-Munro

Josh Morris

Tyrell Beck

Isla Mayo

Solomon Gray

Rebekkah Schoonbeek-Berridge

Drew Noble

Benjamin Williams

Bernice Wannenburg

Tickets on sale now from gntproductions.co.nz/and-juliet

AUCKLAND – THE CIVIC – 9 APRIL TO 3 MAY

WELLINGTON – ST JAMES THEATRE – 9 MAY TO 24 MAY

CHRISTCHURCH – ISSAC THEATRE ROYAL - 30 MAY TO 13 JUNE

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